I'm having the exact same problem... I was wondering if it wasn't the pressure that was making the difference but something to do with the proximity sensor...

I started this thread, http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=42227, just now and then saw this one...

It's too much of coincidence for it to be a HW problem... Must be that damn new firmware!

Yup, same problem here. Of course, the first time it happened it was because I cut a custom screen protector and didn't leave a hole for the speaker.

But since adding the speaker hole, I still have a sound drop-out problem. Usually I just switch to speaker-phone. I'll see if pressure makes a difference.

Anyone notice a correlation between screen backlight and sound drop-out? That might indicate a prox sensor issue.

Looking at it closely, I'm guessing the prox sensor is just an infrared led/sensor. I'll try putting my finger over the prox next time it happens.

My N95 was unbelievably rugged. I'm hoping the N900 has the same build quality.

It's sort of hard to look at the screen when it's next to your ear... ;-)

I think you might be on to something though... I notice that not only pressing it against my ear makes a difference but removing it from my ear does too...

I don't know whether it's worth posting in the fremantle board too...

I'm having this problem too. It started after latest firmware update. Sometimes it works perfectly, sometimes not. Someone said something about if there's a lot of noise around you the sound will be choppy, and I think that might be the case. Haven't noticed anything when making a call in a silent place.

This should be looked at quickly by Nokia.

Hi Brank...

From a previous post of mine...

OK, I have had this problem again, only now it is getting worse.

I have verified it has nothing to do with the prox sensor or the volume control.

The last call was so bad I had to connect headphones. Applying more pressure to the phone against my ear made the sound crackle in and out. It sounded exactly like it should sound if there was a loose wire.

I will be disassembling my N900 tonight. I'll post pictures if I find anything suspicious.

After dis- and re-assembling my N900, and reseating all the ribbon cables, I made a call and the audio sounded very good. Hopefully the problem is gone.

I had the same problem as everybody here. Nokia wanted me to send it in, which is a royal pain, so I decide to have a go at fixing it myself. It worked!

I'm not an electrical engineer or anything remotely qualified, but my diagnosis is that this is a hardware flaw. The speaker in the ear piece makes contact using 2 pins. These pins are at an angle. If pressure is put on the speaker (bottom left in landscape) the pins will be pushed in. When the pressure is released the pins don't return to the original position meaning there is no longer contact. This is fitting to my and other peoples reports that applying pressure returns the sound.

I couldn't take pictures as I didn't have another camera about. However, I made a pretty diagram to help others if they want to do the same. The process doesn't require breaking anything or removing warranty stickers, but it's likely to leave a scratch or two and some worn screw heads.

Disclaimer: It's your own fault if you break your phone. This process most likely voids your warranty if they notice you took your phone apart.

You'll need a phillips screw driver and a flat head to leaver off the front frame. Removing the frame is the most complex part and took some time to figure out.



Good luck

Excellent post, although I agree people will need to beware that this will void your warranty.

I wonder if using something plastic like an old credit card might be better (less scratchy) that something metal like a screwdriver for levering off the front frame?

I'm sure there's a proper tool or at least correct way to do it that doesn't cause any damage. I'd love to know, if there's anybody who's worked in electronic repairs out there. Would come in handy for all the things I've screw drivered to death.

Forgot to mention also I did the diagram from memory, so there might be some slight differences. You should get the gist anyway.